a happy birthday and a few notes

[eldritchhobbit]

Happy birthday to the fantastic altariel1. May you have a wonderful day, and may alien beings never satirize your mama!

And just a couple of quick personal notes:

* I now have my tentative speaking schedule for ORC:


SATURDAY, January 21

4:30 p.m. The Middle-earth – Hogwarts connection: How J.R.R. Tolkien answers the Harry Potter question – (Amy H. Sturgis)

The popular media today shows confusion about whether the Harry Potter series is actually for adults or children; likewise for The Lord of the Rings. The answer rests in Tolkien’s own definition of fairy-stories, so eloquently expressed in his essay, “On Fairy Stories.” Explore how Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings fulfills his definition and how the Harry Potter series fits into its tradition.


5:30 p.m. “The Stewardship of the Valar” – (Panel: Mike Foster, Amy H. Sturgis, Katrelya Angus, Lynnette Porter)

Eru created Middle-earth from the breathtaking music of the Valar, entrusted it to their keeping, and everything went downhill from there! Join our panel in discussing what the Valar did right and what they did wrong in guiding the fates of the people of Middle-earth.


SUNDAY, January 22

1:00 p.m. The ‘Gift of Men’: A blessing or curse? How the various people of Middle-earth view and handle death - (Panel: Greg Wright, Amy H. Sturgis, Anne Petty, Alison Baird)

In his letters, Tolkien described ‘death’ as one of the primary themes of The Lord of the Rings. Immortality, faith, reincarnation and mysticism are interwoven throughout Tolkien’s mythology as part of this theme. This in-depth discussion looks at why Tolkien portrayed death as a gift, and how it was viewed by the various mortal and immortal races of Middle-earth.


3:00 p.m. Tolkien and the Fates: A discussion of Free-will and pre-destination in Lord of the Rings – (Panel: Greg Wright, Mike Foster, Amy Sturgis, Lynnette Porter)

Did “The Precious” really make Gollum do it? Was Bilbo really “meant to find the Ring?” How much did free will vs. pre-destination guide the events that shaped the outcome of the War of the Ring? Join our panel in discussing this fun and interesting topic and see what side of the issue you end up on.


* Also, my latest "Attack of the 5'2" Woman" column, "Nun of Your Business," is now up at Pop Thought.


And last, a quote for the day:

"Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy."
-H.L. Mencken

Comments

[wildviolet4.livejournal.com]

I just read your column and LOVED it!!!

I live approximately 10 miles from where good old Pat Robertson blasts his 700 Club out into the cosmos. This man definitely seems to be 'touched' ... and not by an angel! He's what I would call ... Funda-Mental. LOL

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it a great deal. I would've written of the NunBun tragedy earlier but, as Legolas said of Gandalf's fall in Moria, the grief was still too near.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Thank you! And may sympathetic lawyers smile upon your cornflakes! :-D

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

It's always something to hope for! :)

[sneezythesquid.livejournal.com]

"Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy."
-H.L. Mencken

ROFLOL! That's a fantastic quote!

And I love those panel ideas, I wish I could make it there to hear them.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Isn't it a great quote? It seemed appropriate after my NunBun rant, so I couldn't resist. ;)

And I love those panel ideas, I wish I could make it there to hear them.

Thanks! I can't claim credit for any but the first, but I'm looking forward to them. I appreciate the kind words, and I know you'll be there in spirit!

[estellye.livejournal.com]

Wonderful editorial, EH! Fear not the pastry!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! :) I appreciate it. Fear not the pastry, indeed!

[serpentcoils.livejournal.com]

At the end of the day, nothing – not terrorist attacks, not avian flu – is more terrifying than a people who cannot take a joke.

word. :)

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

*high fives*
Thanks!
Your icon is fantastic.

[agentxpndble.livejournal.com]

Wish I was going... :::snivel::: Have a great time!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Awwww - I know you'll be there in spirit! Thanks for the good wishes. I love your Gondor icon.

[fungus-files.livejournal.com]

that column was fantastic. can you please factor "running for President" into your 5-year plan? actually, you're welcome to bump off our current PM, too.

you made the dose of Get Over It even more public! you'll be a cult leader before you know it. you and all that nun-bunnage. ;)

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

You know the Peanuts dance Snoopy does, when he throws back his head and his feet blur with speed and all you can see is the black line of his smile? That's what I did when I read your email and this lovely post. You've made my week. Thank you. :)

May everyone Get Over It soon! Cheers.